Hot Rod

X2

I always camp for tournaments. Partly because of cost and partly because of the Clunn- Zen closeness with nature. l like to be right there at the boat for doing tackle prep and just keeping an eye on it. Plus the electric outlet is right there to recharge TM batteries. I tried sleeping in the truck a few times but it is much nicer to put up a decent size tent so you can get comfortable and get the sleep/rest you need to compete. I'd recommend getting a cot rather than a sleeping pad. They are so much more comfortable and don't cost much more. They also keep you off the ground which is important if it is cold or if it rains and some water gets in the tent. I also take along a small electric heater when the temp is below 40*. Makes getting going in the morning a lot nicer and a less of a shock to the system. Biggest draw back is that sometimes you have to take down the tent in the dark/wet when the camp site "check out" time is prior to final weigh-in.

I looked at the map of the area through the link on Bassmaster site. The vastness of that system is mind boggling. I couldn't imagine running that far at WOT to fish for such a short time. I'd be a mental mess by the time I got to my spot

First thing is to consider what time of the year it is, what phase the fish are in (pre, spawn or post) and what the water temp is there. That would dictate were I start to look.

Yep, shakey heads can be good early. But if there is much stain to the water I'd rather be draging a jig or a C rig.

I got mine from Northstar custom baits. They look awesome. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to get 'em wet yet. Can't wait till ice out.

I have surge brakes on my trailer. They perform very well. Not sure of the cost but they don't require electrical control. I used to tow my 18' glass boat with a small Nissan p/u. I never had a probelm stoping thanks to those breaks even though that truck was very light. I don't think I'd buy a glass boat without surge brakes on the trailer after the experience I have had with them, even though I have a much heavier tow vehicle now.

I'll go with the field. There is just too much opportunity for someone to fish steady, stay close to the lead then flip up a "SLOUNNCH" of a kicker fish on the last day, alla Boyd Duckett, and walk away with the Classic trophy.

In the words of Denny Brauer - "that's 17 lbs you won't catch in this tourney now." Yes, but I seriously doubt he swung on every bite and you have to "check some for size". Especially for the Classic when everyone is "swinging for the fences". Any place but first doesn't matter much in the Classic like it does for a regular tour event when earning AOY points. Plus that was Wednesday' practice. If he's targeting an area that won't replenish fish by Friday then it wouldn't matter anyway especially since it is pre-spawn warming trend and the fish will be on the move.

Usually mid March. I hope to take the boat out by March 12th but March 19 is probably more realistic. Last year the first couple times out I was "ice breaking" in the mornings though it was just a skim.

Water that is both cold and muddy is the most difficult to catch fish from when just considering those two variables. If the water is what I consider "cold", below 45*, I'd pick clear water (if all the other variables are equal).

The article on BM.com says it emits 1/10 the radiation of a cell phone and the sales rep said the unit is "huggable". Doesn't sound like its a health issue.

You'll have to fish wire from the batteries to the front of the boat under the deck if that is practical. I'd drill a small hole in the deck near the bow to accommodate a "female" plug. Preferably up on a gunnel so it doesn't have the possibility of water laying in it like it would if you mounted in flat on the deck. It will have a "finished look" if done correctly with the plug as this is how most boat manufactures mount TMs. Wire the batteries to the female plug, 6 ga wire should be sufficient. Then wire the TM leads to a male plug. This way you can disconnect the motor when not in use or for maintenance, etc. You can get male/female plugs from just about any marine store or boat dealer. Is it a 24V or a 12 V TM? This will dictate if you wire those batteries in parallel or in series.

I definitely agree with you. But I do think you should be a little more particular with a boat that was stored outside. Yes I agree, especially if it is in a northern climate where it was stored for long periods. Winterization and off season maintenance also have a impact on this as well of course. One owner, stored inside is best if you can locate and buy one like that.

No, I don't name any fish. Except when I catch them in a tournament then I call each one "Money"! "Hey GET THE NET...THATS MY MONEY FISH!" (Wish Quantum hadn't taken that commercial off air and off their site. )

That's one. Gambler & Paycheck Baits make one as well. I've got a friend who uses heat shrink tubing & a dab of superglue and swears by it. I've tried it and it works for a while it just doesn't stay ridged enough after a few fish for me. Maybe I'm not using the right heat shrink. I was thinking about the shrink wrap idea as well but thought the same thing...is common shrink wrap rigid enough?? HMMM?? I make my own with regular electrical heat shrink tube I bought at Ace hardware. It lasts at least a dozen fish or so. I use a hook (BPS XPS straight shank flippin hook in 3/0 and 4/0) which has one small barb on the shank which helps hold the tubing. I also use a bit of super glue at both ends. It is also very important to get the smallest size tubing that just fits over the hook eye before you heat/shrink it. That will give you the best holding power.

Just an observation, those pictures with the motor off to the side are mounted on larger/deeper boats. I'd be concerned mounting on the side of the OP boat may cause it to list to the side unless there was some sort of counter balance thru weight distribution of gear/occupants or the like. Just food for thought.

First and foremost, Thanks for serving and Godspeed to you! You should be able to get a decent used 17' or 18' glass bass boat for that price. Those are the types of waters I fish too, including tournaments. I have an 18' with a 150, its great for tournaments on smaller waters. I even use it some to fun fish in HP restricted lakes by just running the TM. Now if you are running lakes with hp restrictions you would probably want to go with an aluminum boat with a size hull and motor dependent on size of water and HP restrictions. I'd stick with 17 -18' though, unless the HP restriction is less than say 20 hp then I'd look at a 16' bass style aluminum. JMHO but Hope that helps.

Fairly certain it is for flood control in the spring.

In order of preference for shakey heads I like: InvisX Pline FC Trilene 100%

If instead of casting at a 90* angle to the bank you cast at say a 45* angle or less you can better control the baits desent as you pull it "down hill". In doing this you can take some or even all the grade out of the bank. The less the angle the less the bait will tumble down the bank. Also if you fish it on a semi-slack line and/or just shake it instead of pulling or hoping the bait on a tight line you will get a slower movement down the bank.

I never did Jason Quinn on any episodes of the show--Did I miss him or was he ever on? :-/ are you sure you don't want to reword that statement ? Ohhhh boiii :-* Good stuff. Always good to proof your post! ;D Or post some proof! ;D

I was able to order a "LowRider" from Cabela's a couple years back on clearance from the bargain cave. It was about $80. Well the rod arrived at my door and I tore open the tube. Much to my delight it was a Cara!!!! Guess the guy at the warehouse grabbed the wrong rod, oopps. I didn't complain. ;D

A Google got this hit: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:uXwBlDDioA8J:www.lurenet.com/catalog.aspx%3Fcatid%3DBomber%2520Deep%2520Diving%2520Mode%2520A%2520(9A)+bomber+9a&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=www.google.com Dang it! I think I hear the Bait Monkey calling. I really like the Bomber A series CB and I don't have any of these.... yet ;D

Sounds like W2S got it diagnosed to a T but just thought I'd offer something else I've heard more than once from GT owners having difficulty starting at the ramp. I'm not an outboard expert, I have a newer OMC 150 but a friend had a GT 150. Dealer told him not to tilt it too much after priming cause those motors were notorious for dumping fuel back out of the intake thru carbs according to him and resulted in starting problems due to lack of fuel. Had another GT owner relay the same story. May be something to be aware of at the ramp when launching.